On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Indian chess Grandmaster R Vaishali, scientists Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni, entrepreneur Ajaita Shah, agricultural innovator Anita Devi, and accessibility champion Dr. Anjlee Agarwal were among the women achievers who took over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s X (formerly Twitter) handle to inspire others with their journeys. Prime Minister Modi handed over his account to them for the day, giving them a platform to share their messages with millions. In a post from his social media account, they expressed their excitement, stating that they were “thrilled” to take over the Prime Minister’s handle and share motivational messages with women across the country.
Grandmaster Vaishali’s Message
The first “Vanakkam” came from chess player R Vaishali, who hails from Tamil Nadu. One of India’s top-ranked women chess players, she greeted followers warmly as she introduced herself. The 23-year-old chess prodigy shared her journey, revealing that she has been playing chess since the age of six. She described her experience in the game as a “learning, thrilling, and rewarding journey.”
Vanakkam!
I am @chessvaishali and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru @narendramodi Ji’s social media properties and that too on #WomensDay. As many of you would know, I play chess and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments. pic.twitter.com/LlYTmqE2MQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
Her Tamil greeting, however, likely unsettled certain elements within the Islamo-Leftist ecosystem and the DMK government along with its allies, who have consistently attempted to create a divide between North and South India. In recent times, such forces have weaponized language to deepen regional rifts, using it as a tool to push their divisive agenda.
Encouraging young women to pursue their dreams, Vaishali emphasized the importance of passion and perseverance. “Follow your dreams, no matter the hurdles. Your passion will power your success,” she said. She urged women to break barriers in any field they choose and assured them of their potential to succeed.
Vaishali also highlighted the importance of family support in empowering women. Expressing gratitude to her parents, she called on families to encourage and trust their daughters. “I’ve also got a message for parents and siblings—SUPPORT GIRLS. Trust their abilities, and they’ll do wonders. In my life, I have been blessed with supportive parents, Thiru Rameshbabu and Thirumathi Nagalakshmi,” she said.
Scientists Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni’s Message
Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni, both accomplished scientists from Odisha, also shared their inspiring thoughts through the Prime Minister’s handle. They celebrated India’s progress in science and technology, highlighting the increasing opportunities for women in sectors like nuclear technology and space research.
Space technology, nuclear technology and women empowerment…
We are Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist and we are thrilled to be helming the PM’s social media properties on #WomensDay.
Our message- India is the most vibrant place for science… pic.twitter.com/G2Qi0j0LKS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
“Both of us, Elina and Shilpi, are witnessing the wide range of opportunities opening up in our respective sectors. It was once unimaginable that a sector like nuclear technology would offer so many opportunities for women in India. Similarly, the increasing participation of women and the private sector in space exploration makes India the most happening place to innovate and grow!” they wrote.
Ajaita Shah’s Message
Ajaita Shah, Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, took over the Prime Minister’s handle to share her journey of empowering rural women through entrepreneurship. “A financially empowered woman is a confident decision-maker, independent thinker, architect of her own future, and a maker of modern India! And, our nation is taking the lead in building financially empowered women,” she wrote.
A financially empowered woman is a confident decision-maker, independent thinker, architect of her own future and a maker of modern India! And, our nation is taking the lead in building financially empowered women.
I, @Ajaita_Shah, am really delighted to be handling PM… pic.twitter.com/Jx0ony2hwS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
She highlighted how her company has built a network of thousands of self-reliant women, providing them with livelihoods and financial independence. She also emphasized the role of technology in helping women adapt and succeed, mentioning her ‘Meri Saheli App,’ which aids rural women in entrepreneurship.
Anita Devi’s Message
Anita Devi, an agricultural entrepreneur from Nalanda, Bihar, shared her inspiring story of self-reliance through mushroom farming. “I have faced many struggles in life, but I always wanted to achieve something on my own. In 2016, I decided to start my own business, and nine years ago, I founded Madhopur Farmers Producer Company Limited,” she shared.
अगर मैंने कर दिखाया, तो आप भी कर सकती हैं!
मेरा मानना है कि अगर मैं ये काम कर सकती हूं, तो ये कोई भी कर सकता है। मेरा देश की सभी बहनों को यही संदेश है कि वो आत्मनिर्भर बनें और अपने साथ साथ अपने परिवार का जीवन बदलने के लिए भी काम करें। अगर आप अपनी लगन और परिश्रम से आगे बढ़ने का… pic.twitter.com/Xw6n6Vhc17
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
Through her company, she not only improved her own livelihood but also created employment opportunities for hundreds of women. Her business now provides farmers with essential agricultural products at affordable prices, making them more self-sufficient. “If I can do it, then anyone can!” she encouraged other women.
Dr. Anjlee Agarwal’s Message
Dr. Anjlee Agarwal, founder of Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility, used the Prime Minister’s platform to advocate for an inclusive and accessible India. “Through PM Modi’s social media handle, which I have the honour of taking over today, I want to ignite a spark of transformation. Let’s forget labels and barriers—let’s strengthen Sugamya Bharat and make it an important precursor to a Viksit Bharat,” she wrote.
Namaste India and Happy #WomensDay.
I am Dr. @access_anjlee, founder of @samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility. Through PM @narendramodi’s social media handle, which I have the honour of taking over today, I want to ignite a spark of transformation, and seek a call to… pic.twitter.com/HTTgSYHpZd— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2025
With over three decades of work in accessibility and mobility, she emphasized the importance of making public spaces, transportation, and education accessible to persons with disabilities. She also highlighted her efforts in training access auditors and improving WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities for persons with disabilities. “Our collective success in Swachh Bharat has particularly benefited persons with disabilities,” she stated.
This initiative of handling over Prime Minister’s social media platform on International Women’s Day continues a tradition set in 2020 when seven women achievers took over PM Modi’s social media accounts to inspire others. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. “We bow to our Nari Shakti on International Women’s Day! Our government has always worked for empowering women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes,” he posted. Through this unique initiative, these women achievers have once again inspired millions on the occasion of International Women’s day, reinforcing the message that with determination and support, women can excel in any field.
